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In our family, Christmas and New year is one and we make it as our tradition that this also became our family reunion. Where relatives from different places gather together to visit our tatay and nanay and talk about how is life going on lately. It is a yearly of loving, celebrating and respecting the elders. Where cousins, nieces and nephews are smiling together to keep the family tradition alive for the future generation. We also do have a little program where games are highlighted and everyone is willing to join, because of the prizes. Since Christmas and new year is one, this is also the time that we do our exchanging gifts and messages to our beloved lolo and lola, mother and father etc... Of course, food is the most exciting part, where the main course is the roasted pig or what we called as “lechon”.
I grew up in a family where everyone is united for one reason. We encounter a lot of problem every day, but it does not stop us from doing the things we traditionally do inside the circle of our family. And we will keep doing this until the future generation of our family adapt it and understand the importance of why we are doing this. I am grateful and proud of this thing that no one could ever measure the happiness and enthusiasm I get when this kind of tradition exist in our family. It is incomparable and I can totally say unique in our own way.

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CELEBRATING THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADHAN by Maryam Cordova

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CELEBRATING THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADHAN by Maryam Cordova

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Celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan together with the whole family is such a great blessing from our creator (above). During Ramadhan, family used to cook and serve a lots of foods as many as they can, we eat together. We start our fasting during the dawn (3:00 a.m) and we break our fast together during night (6:00 p.m) and what make sense there is, there's a bond. After breaking our fast called iftar, we go to our holy mosque together to perform our night prayer called tarawee. It is exactly like building strong faith with your family.

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Family Gathering every December by Riya Tedor

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Family Gathering every December by Riya Tedor

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Family gatherings in the Philippines are typically lavish and important. Holidays like Christmas are typically when families get together. Filipinos typically provide a lot of food and eat together at large family reunions called salusalo. They also do karaoke, which involves singing  songs while hitting high notes for the entire family to enjoy.

My family, specifically on my Mother’s side, practice annual gathering/reunion every December. Most of ur family members are working, staying, and living in abroad, which is why we see each other rarely. Annual reunions on our family is important especially on holidays since it will be the only time allowed for our relatives from abroad to go home here in the Philipines, this is also why our parents encourage us to attend every family gathering so that we may be able to catch up on them and stay in contact despite of the distance.

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(The actual photo was lost so the photo here is just a representation of how many we are https://lifespatina.com/the-reunion-of-the-family/)

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We are many, We are Legion, We are family - Charles Isaac R. Cabrera.

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We are many, We are Legion, We are family - Charles Isaac R. Cabrera.

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This cultural practice use to happen a lot back when I was around my early teens somewhere around 12-15 years old and it happens usually around November to January (next year). And it is the practice of every family member in our family, cousins, aunts, uncles, half blooded, branch families that are available to gather together and either celebrate the gathering in a specific area or the more popular choice is traveling outside the city ranging from Davao, Cotabato, Cagayan, cebu and at one point on metro manila. But over time this practice became very impractical due to problems between families and the logistics of maintaining a large group. The last I can recall this happening was during December 19, 2020.

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It is not Christmas without Presents and Party Games by Julia Mikaela Reign Cheng

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It is not Christmas without Presents and Party Games by Julia Mikaela Reign Cheng

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The month of December will always be the most-awaited month for our family as it holds consecutive events in our family's birthday timeline starting from the first of December until the very last day of the month. We literally celebrate a family's birthday every week until the evening of Christmas which makes this season much more memorable than any other family. Aside from that, our family has eventually developed our tradition where we celebrate the seasons as if "It is not Christmas without Presents and Party Games".

We often start our December by holding a "Bunutan" segment with the entire family for Monito Monita: The Filipino Secret Santa. From there, we start celebrating our favorite season by finding presents for our family and even guessing who "bunots" who and the challenge of trying to know, buy, and wrap our Monito/ Monita's without anyone suspecting and put it carefully under our Christmas tree before Noche Buena.

Lastly, the very highlight of our tradition, the party games. It is definitely the most awaited segment in our tradition where we actually wait until the clock hits 12 a.m. as an indicator that it is already the 25th of December and it is already Christmas! It is like waiting for New Year's countdown but during Noche Buena. After the clock hits 12 am, everyone starts to gather in our living room, someone will be coming from grilling the liempo, singing on our videoke, cooking in the kitchen, from playing with our little cousins and nephews, and even someone who just came to visit us will always have to join our party games because, in our family, it is not Christmas without Presents and Party Games. With that, we always start off with my Papa's "Paagaw" games where he literally throws off coins on the ground for us to pick up and literally grab away every coin even on our opponent's hands. After that, we just continue playing party games after eating Noche Buena and end it off with the Exchange Gift segment which always ends up with sharing our funny stories on how we always try to keep our Monito/Monita's gift a ‘secret’ and how we always fail.

Our family's unique practices during the season are just one of the many ways we show our love for each other and Christmas is definitely not complete without each other's presence. And though our family's tradition may not be totally unique as everyone else's, what makes it unique is the memories we hold close to our hearts and celebrating the season and the birth of Jesus with full of love and kindness which we value high regard as this what makes our family's bond closer and stronger and make the season even more special. We look forward to it every year and we will always cherish the memories created.

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Year-End or Start of the Year Celebration

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Year-End or Start of the Year Celebration

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Growing up, a tradition my grandparents consistently upheld was hosting a year-end or start-of-the-year reunion. I fondly recall my Lola sharing stories of her distant relationship with her own family and how she never really had the opportunity to meet other relatives. That's why, when she started her own family, she always made diligent preparations for these gatherings. She emphasized the importance of family, stressing that continuous connection within the family is vital as it helps forge and maintain strong emotional bonds, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Regular communication can also lead to better understanding and conflict resolution, thus promoting healthier relationships. Additionally, staying in touch with family members facilitates the sharing of important life events, experiences, and advice, contributing to personal growth and a shared sense of history. However, our reunions were unique, consisting solely of my grandparents, their children (our parents), and us.

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Always spend time with your family by Venus Gem M. Abellanosa

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Always spend time with your family by Venus Gem M. Abellanosa

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Us I interviewed my mother, She answers me that spending more time with the family is important because for her "Time spent with family is worth ever second". That why every holidays we always managed to have a family bondings through trips to other places, plays board games, and more fun activities with the fam. And with that I realize that spending time with your family is essential as it strengthens emotional bonds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. And with these connections provide a support system during challenging times and offer a source of joy and comfort in daily life. Also, Family time helps in open communication, promoting understanding and empathy among its members. It also creates lasting memories, promoting a sense of shared history and tradition. Ultimately, the time invested in your family is an investment in your own well-being and the well-being of those you love, fostering a sense of connection and happiness that can be invaluable throughout life.

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Birthdays Celebrated by the Whole Family! by Angelith Joaielle I. Seraspe

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Birthdays Celebrated by the Whole Family! by Angelith Joaielle I. Seraspe

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In our family, birthdays are very special. We have a tradition when the clock strikes at 12 am, we surprise the birthday celebrant and sing them a birthday song. Accompanied with us are balloons, birthday cake and sometimes even flowers; after that we have a small midnight snack. During the day time every tita and tito will be busy preparing and cooking food for dinner. It almost feels like the day before Christmas considering how busy my lola's kitchen is. When dinner is ready, we decorate the house and the buffet table. Everything will be there; rice, carbonara, different kinds of viands, bihon, pancit, buko salad, and a desert station. After everything is set and ready then the guests are there as well, the prayer will start then after that sing a birthday song. Everyone then will gather at the buffet table to get their share!

I hold these memories dear as I have noticed that our family bonds over food. The process of making the food brings us together as well. Our family will continue making memories through each of our birthdays!

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Birthday: A Family Gathering - Ynea Shayne Canada

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Birthday: A Family Gathering - Ynea Shayne Canada

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My family is a huge family and it is our pride and joy. My home is a full home and it has always been that way, either someone is watching t.v, eating at the dining table or just talking at the living room. I grew up to love the noise of my family, it makes me happy to wake up with the noise of the t.v, plates, and chatters. It has been made as a tradition to celebrate our Birthdays with a complete family, a full house. Each and every one of us looks forward for Birthdays, it makes us feel treasured but specially loved.

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Reunite at Yuletide: My family's longstanding tradition by Christian Mari Civiles

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Reunite at Yuletide: My family's longstanding tradition by Christian Mari Civiles

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The Yuletide season, or, knowingly, Christmas, is considered the most wonderful time for the religious and the most important holiday for families. It is the season when we allow ourselves to reconcile and nurture our relationships with our relatives, close friends, or even our intimate partners. This season commemorates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, signifying the presence of our Savior and emphasizing the essence of family.

By the time of the holidays, our family and relatives would go on a trip, usually to the beach or to go on a shopping spree. Each of us would exchange words of humor, tell stories, or boast about achievements. Afterward, we list all of the necessities for Noche Buena and help cook with my Ate and Kuya. At midnight on December 25th, my parents will invite us, along with my cousins, to the dinner table to celebrate the Christmas spirit. This is where the symbol of love comes through. Everyone has smiles on their faces and sings songs up until dawn.

Our celebration also extends to welcoming the new year, where we provide a whole Lechon Baboy for everybody. We also conduct parlor games that would please our nieces and nephews. For me, that's what makes our Yuletide celebration unique from others. A celebratory practice that not only strengthens the relationship between my own family but also broadens the camaraderie of those who relate to us.

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The act of kindness; BAYANIHAN by Melvin Q. Dela Seña Jr.

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The act of kindness; BAYANIHAN by Melvin Q. Dela Seña Jr.

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As a part of an ilonggo tribe I have never realize how awesome we are, not being biased, but apart from us being sweet in terms of our personality, we also apply our sweetness into actions through our interest we share collectively, BULIG SA MAKINAHANGLAN (Help those in need) in which we really help others with their difficulties that they couldn’t handle on their own.
My father were the 9th child among his 8 siblings and with him in the inclusion, they are 9 children of their parents in total, and among them I chose my uncle to interview. As I asked my uncle in regards of his most unique cultural experience he had, he immediately respond with eagerness of not having a patience to tell me that “hay ari naman kita sang daan nga istorya” (here we are again with the same old stories). “When I was child I saw people helping one another, called “Bayanihan”. plenty of people carrying a nipa hut or house transferring it from one place to another. It is so unique and wonderful because it is not practice in other cultures of the world.  Also bayanihan reflects a good virtues of a christian community. It creates friendship, it promotes kindness. It shorten efforts and time and It saves money!.” That is all he had to say since he is always busy from his work. On my part, I already knew that bayanihan is practiced in the whole Philippines and I knew that he had intimate sentiments about it that he cannot express very well. Given all my experiences in our community I had one encounter of bayanihan when I was a decade younger, in which after people have done placing the house, some people in the community would volunteer into giving of foods and gifts to the newly moved family to have them feel welcomed. Consequently, the act of kindness people would do in their community is something that could change and inspire others to help those in need as well as to also bring fourth channels of love and kindness within the community.

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Family Gathering Every Sunday - Gitat Yap

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Family Gathering Every Sunday - Gitat Yap

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Every Sunday, as the clock strikes 5 in the evening, a heartwarming tradition comes to life in our household the anticipated family gathering. For two precious hours, from 5 pm to 7 pm, our bustling lives take a pause, and we come together to celebrate the joy of togetherness.

The atmosphere during these Sunday gatherings is truly special. The air is filled with laughter, stories, and the aroma of a home-cooked feast. There's a distinct air of excitement and anticipation as family members arrive. The youngest members of the family race around with boundless energy, while the elders exchange warm embraces and catch up on the week's events.

One of the most charming aspects of our Sunday tradition is the diversity of activities that take place within those two hours. It's a time for sharing updates and achievements. We eagerly exchange news about work, school, and life in general.

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Family gatherings in the Philippines are typically lavish and important. Holidays like Christmas are typically when families get together. Filipinos typically provide a lot of food and eat together at large family reunions called salusalo. They also do karaoke, which involves singing  songs while hitting high notes for the entire family to enjoy.

My family, specifically on my Mother’s side, practice annual gathering/reunion every December. Most of ur family members are working, staying, and living in abroad, which is why we see each other rarely. Annual reunions on our family is important especially on holidays since it will be the only time allowed for our relatives from abroad to go home here in the Philipines, this is also why our parents encourage us to attend every family gathering so that we may be able to catch up on them and stay in contact despite of the distance.

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Religious and Superstitious by Ivan Louie L. Malicsi

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Religious and Superstitious by Ivan Louie L. Malicsi

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In our family, religion and superstition have always been very important. When I was a child, I recall how my parents and aunts would burn candles and ask the saints for protection and direction. Also, to fend off bad spirits and bring luck, they would hang amulets and charms throughout the house.

I didn't fully understand the importance of these customs when I was a child, but as I became older, I learned to value the comfort and stability they offered. My family would seek comfort and hope in religion and superstition during uncertain or trying times.

Religion and superstition have in many ways kept our family together. We are aware that we may always go to our faith and our traditions for direction and assistance, no matter where we are or what difficulties we are facing.

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Sharing The Joy of Celebration through Food - Shania Gwyneth Sumalpong

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Sharing The Joy of Celebration through Food - Shania Gwyneth Sumalpong

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There is always one element that is present at every celebration, including birthdays, Christmas, New Year's, and many others: food. No matter how big or small the occasion, our family places a high value on eating together and would spend the entire day preparing and cooking beautiful meals. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I adore our society. I get to taste a variety of delectable cuisines, including some with my family. I also value the fact that they would invite our neighbors to join us for dinner so that nobody would feel left out.

We would celebrate with many family friends and relatives, which gave us time to get to know one another better as a big family. The happiness they have spread through food is more important to them than the fatigue they experience when guests return home and leave the party.

Therefore, anytime there is a family gathering or function, I always look forward to it and am eager to see my kin and enjoy lots of delectable cuisine.

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Prayer every evening(9pm) by Wel John S. Natividad 

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Prayer every evening(9pm) by Wel John S. Natividad 

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Our family always prays at 9 in the evening this unique tradition we do this in order to thank god for a great and blessing day we had. We always call everyone even if there are far away from us. After our prayers we usually have our interactions through kisses and hugs to symbolize love in our family. We had this tradition since I was young and until today we still do it even though I am far away from them we will call each other through messenger and do our prayer. Prayers is one of the greatest thing we need to do in our lives in order to show our worship to god and maintain the strength and loyalty of our family this is why we do this every night as a family.

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Family trip during holidays by Venus Gem M. Abellanosa

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Family trip during holidays by Venus Gem M. Abellanosa

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Ever holidays we always plan to have family trip so that we can enjoy the holidays. Sometimes we go to the beach, and other places.

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Praying before meal by Jonathan Vincent B. Dupa

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Praying before meal by Jonathan Vincent B. Dupa

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One thing that would always be part of our culture is being able to have dinner with our family together. My mom is very strict when it comes to this because this is the only time that we have to check up on each other, my parents are both teachers, so it is given that they will come home at night.
My mom is also strict when we are using gadgets when we are on the dining table, according to her, we should not let the food wait and we must respect the graces that the almighty has given. Which for me is true also. We also pray before the meal, thanking the lord for all the blessings we have received in life.
As I become older, I noticed that not all of my friends developed the idea of praying first before eating, that is also why I usually encourage my friends to do it beforehand. I could say that because of my parents, my faith grew and developed.
We may encounter different practices as we go along in life, we must remember to practice what made us who we are today.

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Family Town By Zemron Knight A. Samontina.

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Family Town By Zemron Knight A. Samontina.

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Filipino Culture has a strong relationship with their family, and My family has no Exception: Our family has a longstanding tradition that harks back to our ancestral town, Cabacungan, nestled in the dramatic landscapes of Surigao. This town isn't just a place on the map; it's a living testament to our family's history. Our Culture of returning to Cabacungan, typically during the warm embrace of summer once or sometimes twice a year, speaks volumes about our commitment to preserving our heritage.

When we step foot on the familiar streets of Cabacungan, it's as if we're stepping into the pages of our family's story. Every corner of this town holds fragments of our collective journey, and as we come together there, we create new chapters in that story. The landmarks, weathered by time, become witnesses to our shared experiences, contributing to memories that shape our identity.
When I asked my father why we go there every year, he said to preserve our Culture; going there is a great experience getting free food in the Sari-sari store cause most of them are my relatives and I can go to the Beach, or go fishing with my cousin boats that place holds an extraordinary place in my heart.

In homage to my ancestry and their painstaking town-building endeavors, the presence of a family heirloom—a sword(Rapier) with my grandfather's name, "Calo." wielded by my grand-grand-grandfather, this rapier symbolizes a tangible link to the past, diligence and determination that constructed our town piece by piece. As I contemplate the blade's legacy, I imagine a future way into my hands, solidifying the connection between generations and honoring the spirit of those who came before me.

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Celebrating Birthday: Grandparents's Tradition by Sophia Jasmine B. Ayop

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Celebrating Birthday: Grandparents's Tradition by Sophia Jasmine B. Ayop

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Celebrating birthdays today was far different from what it was during my grandparent's time. A heartwarming memory always comes to mind when I think about my grandparents and their way of celebrating birthdays. They didn't experience having big parties or fancy presents when they were young. Instead, they did something special that filled their hearts with joy – traditional fishing by the sea.

Whenever it was one of their children's birthdays, my grandparents would go to the river with their self-made pana and nets, hoping for a good catch of tilapia. This kind of celebration is what I've always wanted – to be close to nature since it was like a birthday adventure, cherishing the gift from nature and spending time with family. There were also shared stories and laughter right after the excellent catch while waiting for the food to be cooked. This was a wholesome tradition as It wasn't just about the fish they caught but the happiness they shared and the memories they made.

Looking back, I realize how wonderful it must have been—simple things like connecting and strengthening family relationships through an adventurous activity. Even though times have changed and different practices are being made today, I've always cherished this memory of my grandparents and their unique way of celebrating. It shows me that sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that connect us and the world around us. With that, I've carried the love of experiencing new, thrilling adventures through the traditions my grandparents have passed.

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Double Cheek Greeting by Pierrionne Justine J. Corimo 

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Double Cheek Greeting by Pierrionne Justine J. Corimo 

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As a family built by Spanish descendants, our family indeed has a lot of different superstitions and traditions that both Filipino and Spanish culture have influenced. But one practice sticks out the most, and I can undoubtedly say that my great-grandfather has been accustomed to it since he was a kid. My grandmother used to tell me stories about how my great-grandfather didn't just want the kids to "Mano" him but also wanted them to "Beso" him, for it symbolizes respect and care towards each other. Ever since I could remember, this practice has been part of my way of greeting my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even my parents. My great-grandfather has brought these unique Spanish traditions that have lasted for more than his lifetime, along with his children adopting the local practices here in the Philippines. I aim to continue these traditions with future generations so our family will still value respect and care for our elderly.

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Warmth: 4-Months Christmas at Home by Daniela Cassandra E. Chiu

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Warmth: 4-Months Christmas at Home by Daniela Cassandra E. Chiu

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My mom has always found the love in uplifting the spirit of our home through Christmas decorations. She always start the Christmas set up the moment "-ber" months start, allowing me to experience a 4 month-Christmas. As someone who loves Christmas, I vowed to also continue this cultural practice that my mother has instilled within the four corners of our house. The tall christmas tree heightens my mornings, the glistening color of the Christmas lights makes me love the nights more, the ornaments that give life to the house, the Santa Claus decorations that always remind us to "better watch out, not cry, not pout, because Santa Claus is coming to town," and the christmas music rhythms that make you groove are the small things that make my "-ber" months the best.

I asked my mom why she does this, she answered with her youthful eyes, reminiscing her days as a child. She told me about the fact that even though they struggled financially and was not able to keep up to have good food set on the table, the only thing that kept their Christmas was a small christmas tree. With that, it was already enough for them.

It is indeed true that our cultures stem from what we love, believe, and what we ought to see in the world. It is the manifest of instilling a practice that makes us reminisce of the past and makes us smile in the present.

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The Practice of Church by Prince John D. Luis

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The Practice of Church by Prince John D. Luis

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Ever since I was young my mother would always set time for Sunday and going to church. My mom got this habit of going to church every week from my grandma, she was a sweet and kind person but also very religious. When my mom was young her family lived in a rural area in South Cotabato the nearest church for them was around a half hour drive away but they always try to have time and go to church, my grandma is very persistent as well, my mom use to tell me stories on how when even when my grandma was sick she would always try to go to church even when other family members kept telling her to stay and rest. I think for my mother she see's church not only to pray to god but also quality bonding time with family

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Grandparents House Rule and Experience by Justine Cole Allado

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Grandparents House Rule and Experience by Justine Cole Allado

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Ever since childhood, my grandparents used to tell me stories about their lives. They would often tell me how Filipinos help each other through what they call. "Bayanihan." They help each other make houses or move houses; however, we still somewhat have this kind of action. For example, when some of us experience tragedy, everyone in the community helps; this has always been done by our elders and the elders before them. It is their way of showing generosity and empathy to one another. My Grandmother also told me they could not leave the house beyond 6 p.m. One of their parents' rules is they must be home by 6 pm, and if they fail to follow, there are consequences. She explained this, as this rule has also been applied to us growing up, and I think this also molds us into what we are now.

These experiences they had growing up are the things they taught us growing up, as these things are part of the Filipino culture.

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It's weird, but we still do it: Superstitions of Filipinos by Nicholas John Louie F. Educalan

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It's weird, but we still do it: Superstitions of Filipinos by Nicholas John Louie F. Educalan

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A part of Filipino customs, beliefs, and traditions is the superstitious beliefs that still exist and are practiced by many Filipino families. Superstitious beliefs are common and are introduced by our families to us at a very young age. I, for myself, am still embedded with the various Filipino superstitious beliefs I observed from my family and the people I was surrounded with growing up, even up to this day. These beliefs, even though they do not provide a rational explanation, are still essential in our behavior and actions, especially in cases where actions might be considered a bad fortune based on the "pamahiin" that we were taught and introduced to. My family continues to stick with these superstitious beliefs and practice them in our daily lives to this present day. For example, we say "tabi-tabi po" every day, especially when you're throwing something at night or at peak noon outside the home. There was an instance when I asked why we said such a thing, and my family explained that if we don't say "tabi-tabi po," chances are those supernatural and mythological entities that we can't see with our eyes will be angered and bring misfortune. Aside from this, we still have many superstitions. I've noticed that almost everything we do has superstitious beliefs and practices that we always consider the "pamahiin" in the things we do and decide. It's part of our culture and the way we act and decide.

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Prayer at Midnight by Alexia Shayne Q. Igot

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Prayer at Midnight by Alexia Shayne Q. Igot

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When there is a particular occasion or day, we pray at midnight as part of our unique family cultural tradition. As an illustration, whenever someone in our family has a birthday, we always get up at precisely midnight to pray and rejoice. With a surprise gift in hand, we will meet the celebrant and perform a happy birthday song to them before praying for them one at a time. From the time I was a child till now, my family has always prayed in the midnight, especially during holidays like Christmas or New Year's. Additionally, prayers are one of the things that maintain the strength of our familial ties.

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Filipino Time is life By: Sai Winnie Argoncillo

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Filipino Time is life By: Sai Winnie Argoncillo

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Filipino time is a unique cultural practice in the Philippines because Filipinos tend to arrive late and ignore the appointed time when the event starts, especially in informal affairs where presence is essential rather than when they come in. My parents and relatives love to follow the Filipino time format, especially at family reunions or gatherings, because almost everyone arrives late because they can just adjust when it ends. They do not follow a strict time for gatherings because they feel limited or pressured when they need to follow a schedule, so my relatives tend to freestyle everything as long as everyone agrees. They value the presence of a person a lot because even if one is late, as long they made an effort to go, even if there were problems in between, they would be happy. My parents believe that in formal events, one should practice proper time management skills and follow the time, but in the circumstances regarding family or close friends, there isn't a need to be that strict regarding time. If you have been together for a long time, there is no rush in being late because you have an entire future to look forward to with those people, and if you fight over people being late, then it will just ruin the mood, which affects the entirety of the event. I also follow this practice with my friends when I arrive in time, but they arrive a few hours later, and rather than getting mad or anything, I just feel glad they arrived safely, and we still get to hang out even if it got shortened.

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NOT SIGHT, BUT TASTE: THE UNIQUE CULTURAL PRACTICE OF BOHOLANOS IS THROUGH FOOD! By: Mikyla M. Josol

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NOT SIGHT, BUT TASTE: THE UNIQUE CULTURAL PRACTICE OF BOHOLANOS IS THROUGH FOOD! By: Mikyla M. Josol

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I am daughter of two Boholano-blooded individuals in which my mother is a full-blooded Boholano. Their roots have something to do with the culture that I and my siblings adopted-- from the language to the food we eat. In my years of existence, I have observed that my roots are linked more to the life we have in Bohol. We are fond of adventures, faithful to our respective religions, and perseverant n preserving our culture.

Back then, when my grandmother was still alive and my mother was still a bit young, my eyes were always stuck staring at the little black circles they prepared on the table. My brows, then, bridged as I wondered what those were. They had a lot of those black circles, and my mom finally answered my curiosity by saying that those are what we use to make my favorite childhood breakfast "champurrado". The name of those black circles is Tablea. My grandmother would sell the Tableas in her sari-sari store and would sell out in just a day.

As I grew up, I discovered more delicacies in Bohol. I realized that Boholanos are good and fond of making sweet native delicacies. It has been part of Boholano's culture to create sweet native delicacies that I know you're familiar with. Calamay, Peanut Kisses, Ube Kinampay Polvoron, Tablea, and Broas are the most famous sweet delicacies that they produce. These delicacies used to be normal delicacies that Boholanos eat, but as Bohol became a known place for tourist spots, these delicacies became "pasalubong" which tourists purchase either to taste or give them as tokens or gifts.

Why did producing these sweet native delicacies considered a cultural practice of the Boholanos? They do this not because it is a trend nor because majority perform the said practice, but because doing this has been part of their identity as Boholanos. If ever Boholanos stop making these delicacies, then perhaps, a portion of their cultural identity will be stripped away from them because Bohol has become known for these foods. For instance, when we hear the word "Kalamay", we already know that the food comes from the city of Bohol.  To conclude, I further realized that making sweet native delicacies to please the appetite of the people had become a practice even before it bloomed. And as a Bol-anon myself, I am proud of this unique part of Boholano's culture!

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We, Filipinos, love Christmas because it signifies the birth of Jesus. We celebrate Christmas with our families and friends, and we cook variety of cuisines. When September arrives, we begin to decorate our homes with various types of Christmas decorations such as Christmas lights, Christmas designs, etc. As we decorate our Christmas tree, I am overjoyed because I can see all kinds of gifts. I am so excited to unwrap these gifts with my family and I look forward to what gift I am going to receive. We always go to church on Christmas Eve to thank God for all the blessings, and we wait until midnight to honor Jesus' birth. As we eat together, we prepare various Christmas music and enjoy the rest of the night.

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Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival by Ashley Nicole R. Idos

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Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival by Ashley Nicole R. Idos

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As Filipinos, we often celebrate New year's day on the first day of the year. Although there are some Pinoys who acknowledge Chinese new year, for me and my family it has become a traditional celebration for us. Since I grew up in Shanghai, China ever since I was even able to walk, we've adapted to the Chinese customs two of them is Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. For the Chinese new year celebration, it is very much important to us compared to the normal New Year's day. We would often prepare different Chinese delicacies with different symbolism's like the sticky sesame balls which represent strong family bonds. As for the Mid-Autumn festival or in China "Zhong Qiu Jie" it is a celebration of the moon. Usually during at the day of this festival the moon is as round and perfect as a snow ball and lanterns fill the dark sky. The best part is that we would eat moon cakes which kind of look like hopia. There are different flavors like pork, eggs and beans. Both of these celebrations always end with us sleeping with happy and full stomachs. Each with a unique purpose and unforgettable memories.

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When it comes to birthday, christmas, new year and many more events, there is always one thing that would never be absent jijiji